Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has assured Nigerians that Calabar is fully ready and safe to host the 2026 Nigerian Universities Games Association (NUGA).
The governor gave the assurance during an inspection of sports facilities at UJ Esuene Stadium with officials from NUGA and the University of Calabar (UNICAL), which won the hosting rights.
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Governor Otu described Calabar as a peaceful and friendly city with a clean, green environment, the perfect place for national and international sports events.
He said, “This field has produced some of Nigeria’s greatest football stars like Uwem Ekarika, Etim Essien, and John Okon. In fact, the first captain of Nigeria’s national football team was from Calabar and led the team to England for matches.”
The governor expressed joy that NUGA was returning to Calabar after 35 years, adding that he was confident it would be a great success under the leadership of Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe, Executive Secretary of the NUGA 2026 Local Organising Committee.
He also highlighted Calabar’s rich sports history, noting that football was first played in Calabar. “Papa Enamhe is known for his dedication and I trust him to deliver excellently on this task,” he said.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his commitment to sports development, saying his administration has revived sports activities and restored their importance in Cross River State over the past two years.
In his remarks, Papa Dorncklaimz Enamhe praised Calabar’s sports legacy, saying the city has the greenest stadium in Nigeria, the best basketball court, and a world-class Olympic-size swimming pool.
He added, “A Cross Riverian was the first captain of the national football team and led Nigeria’s first international tour to the UK. Calabar is also home to table tennis champions and Africa’s biggest carnival, which brings youths together. UNICAL hosting NUGA after 35 years is a huge achievement for our state.”
Other officials present during the inspection included Hon. Agnes Atsu, Commissioner for Sports Development; Barr. Ekpenyong Akiba, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor; Mrs. Opeoluwa Adeyemo-Anjorin, CEO; and Ugochukwu Osuji, Chief Growth Officer.